"Of Its Cronies…": Jairam Ramesh On Govt’s Spectrum For Satellite-Based Communications’ Decision

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has criticised the Modi government’s decision to allocate spectrum for satellite-based communications through administrative processes rather than auctions. Ramesh, Congress’ general secretary in charge of communications and a Rajya Sabha MP, referred to the decision as emblematic of the government’s alleged favouritism towards certain corporate interests.

In a statement, Ramesh said, “A parliamentary question has confirmed that the Modi government has decided to assign spectrum for satellite-based communications administratively, without auctions, despite demands from many sections.” He highlighted the government’s official position that administratively assigned spectrum would still be chargeable, contributing to revenue, which he argued contradicted the Prime Minister’s longstanding rhetoric against such practices.

Ramesh drew parallels with the UPA-era 2G spectrum controversy, where the BJP and its allies capitalised on allegations of corruption tied to administrative spectrum allocation. He criticised the media frenzy and judicial intervention during that period, which he claimed damaged India’s investment climate in telecommunications. The BJP’s allegations of fraudulent revenue loss were later dismissed when a CBI court acquitted all the accused in the 2G case. The court’s judgment, Ramesh noted, lambasted the prosecution’s case, calling it a product of “rumour, gossip, and speculation.”

A parliamentary question has confirmed that the Modi government has decided to assign spectrum for satellite-based communications administratively, without auctions, despite demands from many sections. The government has stated on the record that “spectrum assigned… pic.twitter.com/CR8bCLEAPv

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) December 16, 2024

Ramesh accused the Modi government of operating “of its cronies, for its cronies, and by its cronies.” He suggested the administrative allocation policy was designed to benefit select corporations, though the government’s official stance denies this.

The controversy stemmed from a parliamentary query regarding the government’s methods for allocating satellite spectrum. In response to a question by MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, the Ministry of Communications clarified that the Telecommunications Act, 2023, permits spectrum allocation for satellite-based services through administrative processes. The ministry stated that this process adheres to India’s licensing terms and conditions, including security protocols, and that administratively assigned spectrum remains chargeable to ensure revenue contributions.

The government also sought recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on pricing and other terms to ensure a level playing field between satellite-based and terrestrial communication services. However, critics like Ramesh remain unconvinced, alleging that the policy favours corporate interests over transparency and fairness.